Burress had an average season with the New York Jets in 2011. After being out of football for the 2009 and 2010 seasons while he served time in jail, he didn't do a whole lot upon his return. He did mange to play in all 16 games and caught 45 passes for 612 yards and eight touchdowns.

But the Patriots are already set at receiver. They signed Brandon Lloyd to be their No. 2 wideout this offseason, Wes Welker is entrenched as the team's top receiver, and Jabar Gaffney, Donte Stallworth, Deion Branch and Julian Edelman are all battling for the No. 3 spot.

Adding Burress to that mix just seems pointless given his lack of production and age (35).

New England shouldn't have any issues offensively in 2012. In fact, the team is absolutely loaded at the skill positions. With the aforementioned receivers to go along with tight ends Rob Gronkowski, Aaron Hernandez and Visanthe Shiancoe, quarterback Tom Brady will have plenty of targets.

Meanwhile, if running backs Shane Vereen, Stevan Ridley and Danny Woodhead stay healthy, New England should be set there. Both Vereen and Ridley have a chance to be outstanding at the NFL level if they can get consistent carries.

Throwing Burress into the mix would have just added another guy who needed the ball thrown his way. The Patriots have plenty of those already, and while Burress' size is an asset New England doesn't have at wideout, Gronkowski more than makes up for that with his size and ability as a red-zone target.